/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 36 Why is body temperature not a go... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 36

Why is body temperature not a good fixed temperature for establishing a temperature scale?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Body temperature is too variable and inconsistent to serve as a fixed reference point for a temperature scale.

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding the Nature of Body Temperature

Body temperature can vary due to different factors such as the time of day, physical activity, health conditions, and age. This variability makes it unreliable as a fixed reference point for a temperature scale.
02

- The Requirement for Consistency in Temperature Scales

A temperature scale requires a fixed and consistent reference point that does not change under normal conditions. This is essential to ensure that measurements are reliable and can be reproduced accurately.
03

- Comparing with Reliable Fixed Points

Fixed points used in temperature scales, such as the freezing and boiling points of water (0掳C and 100掳C), remain constant under normal atmospheric pressure, making them reliable reference points.
04

- Conclusion

Therefore, due to its variability and inconsistency, body temperature is not suitable as a fixed reference point for establishing a temperature scale.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Body Temperature Variability
Body temperature is an interesting yet complex aspect of human physiology.
It can change due to several factors, making it an unreliable fixed point for a temperature scale.
For instance, your body temperature might be different in the morning compared to the evening.
Physical activities can also increase your body temperature.
Moreover, health conditions like infections or illnesses, and even age, can further affect it.
Due to this natural variability, body temperature cannot be used as a consistent reference in scientific measurements.
Fixed Reference Points
When establishing a temperature scale, fixed reference points are crucial.
These points should remain constant under standard conditions to ensure reliability and accuracy in measurements.
A good fixed reference point does not vary under normal conditions, unlike body temperature.
For example, water's freezing point at 0掳C and boiling point at 100掳C are stable under standard atmospheric pressure.
These will always give you the same temperature readings no matter when or where you measure, provided the conditions are met.
Consistency in Measurements
Accuracy and consistency are fundamental when it comes to scientific measurements.
This is why fixed and reliable reference points are essential for temperature scales.
Inconsistent reference points like body temperature would result in inaccurate and unreliable data.
This could lead to errors, particularly in scientific experiments and medical applications where precision is critical.
Using stable reference points, like the freezing and boiling points of water, ensures consistency and reproducibility of temperature measurements.
Freezing and Boiling Points of Water
Water's freezing and boiling points are excellent fixed reference points for temperature scales.
At standard atmospheric pressure, water always freezes at 0掳C and boils at 100掳C.
These constants are easy to reproduce and do not change, making them extremely reliable.
They provide a universal standard that can be used worldwide, ensuring uniformity and precision in temperature measurements.
This is why they are preferred over variable reference points like body temperature.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What happens to the average speed of the molecules of a gas as it is heated?

A friend has created a model of how a candy vending machine works. His theory says that a little blue person (LBP) lives inside each vending machine. This person takes your coins and gives you candy in return. Although this LBP theory may not seem reasonable to you, can you suggest ways of disproving it without opening the machine?

What happens to the volume of 1 L of an ideal gas when the pressure is tripled while the temperature is held fixed?

When the element mercury is heated in air, a red powder is formed. Careful measurement shows that the mass of the resulting powder is greater than the mass of the original mercury. Is this powder an element or a compound? How do you account for this additional mass?

Nitrogen boils at \(77 \mathrm{K}\). At what Celsius temperature does it boil?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Electromagnetism

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Medical Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.